Boss told me off for exclaiming Jesus Christ

[GloMum]

The other day my boss told me off for exclaiming Jesus Christ when I was surprised during a work meeting. Boss told me it’s rude towards people from different religions and asked me if I’d done my DEI training. I have, and I enjoy friendships with colleagues from varied backgrounds. I feel really stressed now in case I slip again, and embarrassed I should be told off.

YABU - This is an inappropriate exclamation at work
YANBU - It’s just an exclamation and you shouldn’t be told off for that.

It’s unprofessional language in a work meeting. No need for it.

I don't understand why he would say it's rude to people of different religions. Other than Christians, who does he mean?

Christ is one of the major prophets of Islam.

Yeah, of course you are...

The right to religious freedom = I respect your right to believe and I won't harrass or discriminate against you for it.

That's it.

I'm not a believer, but it's not a phrase I'd use at work, just as if I find myself about to type it out in a response to a post on Mumsnet, I censor myself. When you don't know all the individuals in your audience, it makes sense to be cautious.

When we were at church a few years back I went to the back to talk to the priest about a christening for our newborn after the service. When my other DC (2) ran to a cupboard and opened it, the priest exclaimed "JESUS CHRIST" at the top of his voice, so personally I think anyone getting offended by it is just looking for things, but I'd still try to avoid saying it because people are so easily offended these days, especially on behalf of others.

I have a colleague who says this. I was really taken aback when they did it the first time. As a Christian, I really don’t like it, but haven’t had the courage to challenge it as I don’t want to come across as over-sensitive.

I know many people don’t think that’s a particularly strong swear, but I really do. It’s up there with all the ones you’d never say at work.

I don’t know why it’s become a weak swear. I think maybe people’s disdain for faith, religion generally makes it feel satisfying. An extra rebellion if you like- rude word and anti religious at the same time.

Why are people saying this who claim to be Christians? It’s a commandment to not take the Lord’s name in vain. It’s a big deal for Christians.

All I said was this piece of halibut is fit for Jehovah!

I have no religion and can imagine myself saying that, but I also think your boss was right to pull you up on it. It is not professional and could cause offence.

I try to avoid blasphemy although 'bloody hell' does slip out sometimes. I avoid swearing and blaspheming altogether in the work environment (years of working in customer-facing areas where it is a complete no-no). I swear freely at home, usually variants on 'fuck'. I've occasionally had people apologise for swearing in front of me at work, so possibility I have a completely undeserved reputation as a puritan.

It's really not a big deal. It's not like Christians follow the bible much (thank God!)

Yep

Exactly this.

It’s important whether you believe so or not, and thankfully there are many Christians who take the Bible seriously.

Try "By Jupiter's cock", next time.

My child attended a wonderful C of E school with a strong Christian ethos

On of the year five children said this same thing very loudly whilst entering their local church for a service. Rightly so, he was scolded by his class teacher.

I think it’s appalling to use it and find it offensive. Children even more so.

I actually had to check I was definitely in AIBU and I hadn't slipped over to the dark side of Mumsnet (or would it be the light side?) Anyway, I think in the grand scheme of things it's really not a big deal. However it does seem there's a good bit of pearl clutching going on in this thread so maybe I'm wrong.

It's just as well the pearl clutchers don't work with me 😂 Jesus Christ would be the least of their worries.

Yes it's offensive to at least some Christians. Also to be honest, the attitude of swearing is wrong in the workplace, regardless of the words. Even if you went "oh kittens", everyone knows you're swearing and you shouldn't be doing that at work.

I am not religious but would pull someone up about this. Work on a school, if kids say oh GOD or anything else that is blasphemous I tell em off

I thought it was pretty common knowledge that using the names Jesus or God in this way was offensive. It wasn't allowed when I was at school and it wasn't a faith school either.

I'm sure I've heard the nun on derry girls say it as well

Is it maybe a cultural thing because, come to think of it, I've only ever heard a few Irish people say it (in the sexiest accent ever 🤭🤭)

If you love Jesus, then someone using his name as a swear word is pretty offensive, as it would be it I exclaimed your mum's name when shocked or whatever. Obviously you didn't intend to offend anyone, and I wouldn't have said anything had I been there, but I would much prefer it if people didn't do this.

Then again, I'm sure there's lots I do that others don't like either. And I don't use anyone's mum's name as a swear word.

It’s not the right language to use in front of others. In your own home if you must.

i find it offensive